Strip structures



Feb. 2, 1965 R. A. ZOLLER 3,167,325

STRIP STRUCTURES Filed Nov. 13, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Pose-2r l1. Z L E2 ATTa NEYs .LJ 1% IE ii 1 1 T1; I

R. A. ZOLLER STRIP STRUCTURES Feb. 2, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 13, 1961 INVENTOR. P08527- A. Z 04 4 2 DAM g %M A rroeueys R. A. ZOLLER STRIP STRUCTURES Feb. 2, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 13, 1961 I II I I I I I I I I I I I I IVENTOR. Eoeaer A; Z 0L 1. 2

BY 447 6 44; QM 5% A rroB/VL-YS A core covering. 7

United States Patent "Ofiice 3,167,825 Fatented Feb. 2, 1 965 3,167,825 STRIP STRUCTURES Robert Zoller, Bay Village, Ohio, ,assignor to The Standard Products Company, Cleveland, Ohio, :1 corporation of Ohio Filed Nov. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 151,915

9 Claims. (Cl. 20-?69) This invention relates to strip structures and more particularly, to strip structures of generally channel shape in cross section for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on edge flanges or other parts, such as those of automobile bodies, for trimming, sealing or other purposes.

The invention has for one of its primary objects .the

provision of a strip structure of the aforesaid character.

which is characterizedby itsoutstanding flexibility both laterally and longitudinally, by the attractive embossing with which its outer surface maybe provided, and by the ease with which it may be pressed onto and thereby firmly held or retained on an edge flange or other part, regardless of variations in the thickness thereof or't'rans I verse or longitudinal curvatures therein.

.cause of their unconnected nature, enable the strip structure to be freely benh 'laterally and longitudinally and otherwise, in various arcs and in various ways to achieve 7 maximum conformity to and adaptability for use with various edge flanges or other :parts on which the strip structure is to be mounted 'in use thereof and without any buckling or other objectionable deformation of the A further more specific object-of the present inventioni isthe provisiongof a strip structure of the aforesaid character inwhich the coveringmaterial for the individual 7 core elements is provided within thest-rip structure with opposed longitudinally extending ribs or lips, of resilient flexible character, which yieldably but firmly engage, for

the secure retention of the strip structure on the edge flange or the likeon which the strip-structure is to be mounted in use thereof, the ribs or lips preferably being convergently related and extending toward'the crown portion of thestrip structure for ease in the application of the strip structureto said edge flange or the like.

A further more specific object of the present invention is the provision of a channel-shaped strip structure of the-aforesaid character which maybe provided with one or more sealing sections or parts, so that in addition to serving as a molding or a trim or finishing strip, such strip'structure also may serve to seal any cracks or crevices adjacent the edge flange or the like on which the stripstructure is mounted in use thereof.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of'a strip structure of the aforesaid character in which the outer surface of the core covering is suitably ornamented, such as by'embossing, with any desired design, suchas one which simulates woven fabric, leather 7 or the like, and in which the embossingor other ornamentation covers the entire outer [surface of the strip structure, right up to the free ends of the side walls there-' of, and most economically.

Further objects of the present invention and certain of its practical advantages, will be referred to in or will be evidentvfrom the following descriptionof' several embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Y

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a strip structure constituting one embodiment of the present invention, the core covering being shown in dot-dash lines in the rear portion of the strip structure in order to indicate the individual' and unconnected transverse core elements;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with a portion of the core covering being omitted in the rear portion of the strip structure to show the transversely, disposed core elements;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the strip structureof FIGS. 1 and 2 in flat form prior to its being bent into channel shape, a portion of the core covering being broken away;

FIG. 4'is a perspective view of a slightly modified form of strip structure embodying the present invention, the strip structure being; shown as clampingly mounted on an edge flange or other part; 7

FIGS. 5,6 and 7 are perspective views of strip structures embodying other forms "of the present invention, the strip structures of these views being provided with longitudinally extendingsealing sections; 7

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-section views of still other strip structures embodying the present invention, the strip structure of FIG. 8 having 'a sealing section of rubber which is carried by an anchoring portion arranged within the channel-shaped strip structure, and the strip structure of FIG. 9 having two longitudinally extending sealing sections, one adjacent the crown end of one of the sidewalls of the strip structure and the other adjacent the free end FIG. 11 is tat-vie similar to FIG. 10 but withthebody pillar being prQVidedWith other forms of tures embodying the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a verticalfragmentary cross-sectionalrview strip strucof the strip'structure of FIG. 6, the strip structure being shown in use thereof with the longitudinally extending sealing section thereofbeing'flexed as in use thereof; and

FIGS.'13 to 20 are views showing various stages in' the manufacture of astrip structure embodying the prescut invention, with FIG. 13 being a perspective view of am'etalcore strip,the rear portion of which is transversely slotted; 1 a

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but showing a core strip which is provided with transverse "slits, rather than transverse slots a v FIG. 15 is a perspective v1ew'lof the core-strip of FIG.'14 after the strip has been elongated, with the con sequent widening of the transverse slits-into transverse slots; I

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the transversely slotted core strip of either FIG. 13 or FIG. 15, with the strip being provided with two'longitudinally extending-laterally spaced weakening ,grooveswhich intersect the transverse slots adjacent theends thereof;

, FIG; 17 is a perspective view of the core strip of FIG.

16, with covering material enclosing all but the side edge portions of the'core strip,- a portion of the strip structure being broken away and in section and the core covering being provided on one face ofthe strip structure with a pair of longitudinally extending laterally spacedflexible clamping ribs or lips; V

FIG. 18 is a view strip of'FIG. 17 and showingthe embossing with which the outersurfaceof the corecovering on this side is provided; i

FIG. 19 is a view corresponding to FIG. l7but with the'side edge portions of the core strip outwardly of the longitudinal weakening groove having been removed; and

of the other side of the. covered core ingin closed condition the core coveringside edge p en-.g 'ings which are formed by the removal of the side edge pora .tions of the core strip.

I Before specifically describing the stripstructures here illustrated for the. disclosure cfcertain embodiments of thepresent invention, it is to .be understood thatstrip" structures embodying/the invention can take various other forms. It also is to be understood that the terminology or phraseology herein used is for purposes of description andnotoflimitation, as the scope of the-present inven-zr tion is denoted by the appended claims.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, it will'be noted that the -3 is provided with apairofiflexible ribs or lips extending Y I along the inner surfacesofthe strip structure side walls iniopposed relation for clamping engagement with said edgeflange or otherpart.v Asshownin FIG. 1, theclamping ribs; or lips}; are integral with the. core covering 4 and. here extend from the inner-surfaces of the strip structure side Walls,'in spaced relation to; the free longitudinal edges thereof, inwardly and upwardly toward the crown portion 1 of the strip structure. As indicated in FIG.. 1, the free long-itudinalcdges of-the clamping. ribs or lips 8 are preferably in normally; abutting or closely neighboring relationship so that the insertion therebetween-of an edge strip vstructure'there illustrated for the disclosure of one embodiment of the present invention is of channelshape in cross-section, withacrown portionl of arched form and a pairvof side walls 2 and 3 which are here shown asbeing.inwardlyinclined or convergently related. Likeother strip structures which embody the present invention, the strip structure of FIGS: 1-3 includes a resilient core and an enclosing covering 4-tI16I6fOI, with the COI'jCjOIlsisting of aseries of transversely disposed and longitudinally arranged elements 5 which are relatively narrow and free of anygconnection to one another. As a result of the relatively narrow form and the unconnected nature I of the core elements 5, the strip structure hasoutstanding 1 flexibility, ;both longitudinallyand laterally, so that it can flange or other part in the mounting of the strip structure thereon causes. the, ribs or lips-I8 to flexibly but'firmly engage said flange or other part. for the secure retention of the strip-structure thereofig Although'the ribs or lips 8 may have any desired angular disposition 'with respect I to the :side walls of. the strip: structure, the convergent slightlymodified form of the present invention, and for purposes ofindicatinganedgeflange onavhich may be I mounted: in use. thereof strip structures embodying the be readily and freely bent, twisted or otherwise manipue T 'lated, without' buckling or other objectionable, distortion I of the core covering 4, to enable the strip'structure. to v conform to the contou'r,.regardless of bends or curvatures therein of. the edge flange or other part on which the strip structure is mounted in usethereof. Although the core elements 5 may be of-an-y desired length, they preferably are 0fsuch length that they terminate adjacent. the, free edges of the strip istructuregside walls, ashere shown.

inclination of the ribs or lipsin the strip'structureYof FIGS. 1-' to 3 'towardthe crown "portion lot the strip structure facilitates" the pressing of the'strip structure onto' an edge flange; or other part, as will be readilyunderstood. In-FIGJ4t-is illustrated a strip structure embodying a present invention, the strip structureof FIG. 4 is shown as being clampingly mounted' on a two-part edge flange 9, such as ancdgeflangeof an automobile body pillar.

f As will be noted, thecrown portion'ofithe strip structure of FIG; 4 1's of somewhat flatter form and the side walls of such strip structure' are, generally parallel, rather Preferably, the core elements .5 are of relatively thin I sheet steel, and as will'ihereinafterappear,- they may he formedfrorn a single metalstr-ip andiarranged withinthe I core covering 4 .by a particularly novel and economical; method which constitutes a partof-thepresent invention,

than .convergently. inclined as inethe strip structure of FIGS, lt o 3. further; the core c vering .llilbelowor I outwardly of thevelongated clamping' ribs or lips 11 and Y 1 2j "is-of increased thiclgnesgz asiat 13,. which stiflFens the v strip structure, somewhat gadjacent the free longit-udinaledges of its side. walls but Without sacrifice of the flexi- Inorderto prevent buckling of the core covering 4 whenv the strip structure is transversely, bent or; twisted, and in;

j order to give the strip structureidesirablegstrength without sacrifice of flexibility,the core; elements 5 are arranged. 1 I in. closely neighboring relation. Preferably and as here) shown, the core elements; are spaced slightly. apart, Withf portions of; the core covering 4 extending through; such spaces, as at 6,:FIGS. 2. and 3,-to bond togetherthe core;

covering onoppositej faces of thefcore elements. Ifi'dei- I sired,however,"the core elements may be in substantially f contiguous side-by-side relationship, :inwhich event-the; coreelernents desirably. are provided with perforationsf or'the like to'enable the core covering on oppQsitefaces of the, core elements tobe'bonded together. I

I As to the core covering-4, it may be of any suitable material. .1 However a covering of plasticizcd polyvinyl chloride is particularly suitable and is preferred, inasmuch Y 1 as such material isiquite weather'resistanL of thede'sired elasticity,iand is'easily extruded for"association withthe core elements'S, 1 In orderto enhancethe attractiveness of the "core covering which may'beof any de'siredIco 1or',-;

its 'outer su'rfac'e is preferably -ornamented,'as indica ted I by the reference numeral 7. As .will hereinafter appear, Yi-

the ornamentation may. be provided, in a simple and "ecolnomical manner,, b y 'a'n embossing ope-ratiim, withfthe pattern being, for" example, one which simulateswoven I fabric, leather or the'like. As will be" evident from FIGS. Z "1 and 2; Tthe out'e r surface' of the core covering may beand preferably is ornamented, and by having the ornamentat'ion extend-clear lip-to the 'freeedges of the fside walls of the strip structure, the simulation of{ fabric,

leather or the like is materially enhanced.

For the purpose of enabling the. strip structure toybe firmly-retained on theedgeflangeorother partonto which it is pressed use thereof; thejstrip structure of FIGS; 1-.

present invention. j

dividual elements 15 of resilient,characterfandIentirely freeofconnection to oneanothera II Q L c In. FIGS. 5 ,1 6.and 7 are illustrated stripstructureswhich 1 also-embodydhe. present invenLtioniandJ Which-primarily differ from theistrip structure of FIGS. 1 to 3"in that they 3' are-iprovided with resilient auxiliary sections, for'sfealing or; gap-closing purposes, extendingfalong the embossed 1 outer-surfaces of the core coverings, at one'side of'the j crown portions OfTiIhe'StIlp structure I I, I t

In the strip structure of FIG. 5, thefa'ujxiliary section- I ifiis'ofltubu'lar form and-consistsof innerIarid outer tubu larp'ortions. As here shown, the outertubular, portion 17 is of the .same material'as-th core covering 1'8, such asIplasticized polyvinyl chlorideiandfis' h a1t s'ealed1or otherwise; suitably. bonded to "the core covering, Theirs nertubular portion was hereshown as being of sponge rubber,iand such inner-portion:not onlyiincreasesthe 'resiliencyor recovery characteristics of the auxiliary; sec- .tiqnbnt it also prevents, as will be understood, any-buck-' I ling of the, polyvinyli'outer portion 1 7, if the strip structurefv is bent in use" thereofli'Like the embossedlputer surface Ziljot the; core coVerin g iS, thexouter surface 21, of the; auxiliary; section 16 is preferably embossed or otherwise 7 suitably ornamented, as-showiii. I In the stripistructure-ofFIG. .6,'the auxiliary'sealing'or gap-closingseotion is an .outward'lyjextendin'g flexible rib or lip ;2;2,- which ishere shoWnasbeiiig-ofthe same ma terial as the core covering 23, such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride, and heat sealed or otherwise suitably bonded to said core covering. As will hereinafter appear (see FIG. 12), in use of the strip structure of FIG. 6, the auxiliary rib or lip 22 is transversely flexed for sealing or gap-closing purposes. 1

Although the strip structures heretofore described and those to be hereinafter described are each provided on the inner surfaces of the strip structure side walls with a single pair of opposed ribs or lips for clamping engagement with an edge flange or the like in the securement of thestrip-structure therein, two pairs of such clamping ribs or lips may be provided, if desired, as in the strip structure of FIG. 6. As there shown, one pair of said clamping ribs or lips, marked 24 and 25, are in generally the location of the clamping ribs or lips of previously described strip structures, and the second pair of such clamping ribs or lips, marked 26 and 27, is arranged between the first pair and the crown portion of the strip structure. The provision of two pairs of clamping ribs or lips is added assurance, of course, of the retention of the strip structure on the edge flange or the like on which it is placed in use (thereof, although a single pair of such ribs or lips is generally quite adequate for the firm and secure retention of the strip structure.

In the strip structure of FIG. 7, the auxiliary sealing or gap-closing section is asingle hollow tube 28, of elastic rubber or a rubber-like material, and which is stitched or otherwise suitably secured to the core covering 29 which may be, as heretofore, of polyvinyl chloride. For

securement purposes, the tube 28 is here integrally provided with a relatively narrow flange 30 co-extensive in length therewithand which is stitched or otherwsie suitably-secured in overlapping relation to a corresponding flange 31 with which the core covering 29 is provided. Like the embossed outer surface of the core covering 29, the outer surface of the sealing or gap-closing rubber tube 28 is preferably embossed, and for purposes of contrast, if desired, theernbossing-onrthe tube .28 may be one which simulates-leather and the embossing on the core covering may be'one which'simulates woven fabric. As the rubber tube 28, like the core covering 29, may be-of any desired color, a particularlyv attractive effect thereby can be achieved.

-As heretofore mentioned, in the strip structures of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the auxiliary sealing or gap-closing sections thereof are located alongone side of the crown portions of the strip structures. In FIG. 8, however, a strip structure embodying thepresent invention is illustratedwhich is provided with a sealing or gap-closing section'located adjacent the free longitudinal edge portion of one of the side walls of the strip structure.

In the strip structure of FIG. 8, the auxiliary section is a hollow elastic tube 32, of rubber 'or a rubber-like mate-' rial, and which extends to one side of the strip structure adjacent the freelongitudinal edge portion of its side wall edge flange or'other support on which it is placed in use thereof.

In the strip structure illustrated in FIG. 9, there are (two auxiliary sealing or gap-closing sections, located on opposite sides of the strip structure, with one of such sections, numbered 39, extending along the core covering 40 at one side of the crown portion 41 of the strip structure and the other section, numbered 42, extending along the core covering 40 adjacent the free longitudinal edge portion of the side wall 43 of the strip structure. As here shown, both of the auxiliary'sections 39 and 24 are of tubular form and of the same material as the core covering 40, such as polyvinyl chloride, and are heat sealed or otherwise suitably bonded to the core covering. Either or both sections, if desired, may include a suitable inside material, such as the sponge rubber tube 44 in section 42. As in the other strip structures, the strip structure of FIG. 9 is provided with a pair of opposed flexible ribs or lips 45 and 46 for clamping engagement with an edge flange or the like.

Although the cores of the strip structures of FIGS. 5 to 9 have not been specifically described, it is to be understood that each consists, like the core of the strip structure of FIGS. 1 to 3, of a longitudinal series of transversely disposed resilient elements in closely neighboring relation and entirely freeof connection to one another.

As heretofore mentioned,rstrip structures embodying:

the present invention are particularly suitable for use on edge flanges or the like as moldings or trim or finishing strips, or, if provided with sealing sections, as strip structures for both trimming and sealing purposes.

For purposes of illustration, there are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 automobile center body pillars 48 and 49 and portions of automobile doors 50. and 51, respectively, cooperating therewith. As will be noted, on the;

edge flanges 52 and 53 at the sides of the center, body pillar43 of FIG. 10 are mounted strip structures of the fectively closes the gap which otherwise would result between the door and the body pillar adjacent the trim panel 56 on the inner face of the door. A similar func-= tron would be served, of course, by'the auxiliary section which is mounted on the edge flange 52 of the body pillar 4S.

j In FIG. 11, strip structures of the general character. illustrated in FIG. 9 are mounted on the edge flanges 57 33. For the support of 'said' sealing or gap-closing tube' V 32, it is here shownas being provided with an anchoring portion 34, integral and co-extensive in length therewith, and'lying within the strip structure along the inner surfaces of its side wall 33 and its .crown portion 35. If desired, said anchoring portion 34 may be and'here is suitably interlocked, as at 36, with the adjacent portion of the core covering, although the interlocking of such portions is not, of course, essential. Like the previously described "strip structures, the strip structure of FIG. 8

has a pair of'opposedribs or lips 37 and 38 for clamping engagement with an'edge flange or the like in the use of the. strip structure, but, as will be noted, only the rib or lip 37 is a part of thel core covering. The other rib or lip 38 is a part of theanchoring portion 34 of the auxiliary rubber section, but the two ribs or lips 37 and 38 cooperate like those of, the other strip structures to securely maintain the strip structure of FIG. 8 on the and 58 at the sides of the center body pillar 49, or in other words, strip structures which are provided with two auxiliary sealing or gap-closing sections 60 and 61. Thus, in FIGll, no door-carried seals are necessary for either the sealing of the door or the closing of the gap adjacent the door trim panel 62. In FIG. 12 is fragmentarily shown the strip structur of FIG. 6 as mounted on an edge flange 63, the clamping ribs or-lips 25, 27 being in their flexed condition for clamping retention on said flange, and the auxiliary sealing or gaprclosing rib or lip 22 being in transversely flexed condition by its engagement with the part 64 for sealing or-gap-closing purposes.

.As will be readily understood, the manufacture on a commercial scale of a strip structure in which a longitudinal series of transversely disposed and wholly uncon-- nected resilient elements are completely enclosed within a covering material presents many diflicult problems. One method which most satisfactorily solves said problems is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 20, and such method is embraced by and forms a part of the present invention.

Essentially;the rnetliodconsists of providing a slieet f metal strip, of the desired width and thickness andof the.

desired resiliency, with a longitudinal series of transverse I slots,-,if the core elements of the strip structure are to be spacedapart, or with a longitudinal series of transverse slits, if the cor'e elements of the strip structure are to be in substantially side-by-sideor contiguous relationship.

As to the transverse slotting or the transverse slitting of the core strip, it can be readily accomplished, of course,

by conventional means,butwhichpreferably will be of the continuously operating type.

Inasmuch as strip structuresin which the core elements thereof are spaced slightly apart (as best shown in con,

i nection with the strip structure of FIGS. 1 to 3) have increased flexibility and thus are preferred, the method of forming a strip structure with such spaced core elements first-'willbe described. 1

In FIG. 15 is illustrated a transversely slotted sheet metal core strip 66 of thede'siredwidth. and thickness andot the desiredresiliency, with the slots 67 being relativelyclosely-spaced and having their ends terminating near to but short of the side edges of the strip,"with the consequent provision of non-slotted side edge portions 68 and 69 As will be readily understood, the transversely slotted strip 66 of FlG. 15 may be provided either (a) by removing from the strip, such as the one denoted by slittedstrip by manipulation or" the non-slitted side edge I portions of the strip toconvert the transverse slits '72int0f transverseslotsjf I t 1 Afterits provision, the transverselyslotted strip, such "asthe'stripwn Of'FIGVIS, isthen grooved or'otherwise :Weakened, such as by a coining operation or the like, along two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced lines 73 and 74- which intersect thetransverseslots 6'7 adjacent the ends thereof,'-as-in FIG. 16, with the non-slotted side edge? portions 68 fand of *the (core .strip thus being 4 located outwardly of said weakeningv grooves.

' hereafter; the transversely'slotted and longitudinally grooved core strip 66. is suitably covered or enclosed 6X-.'

c'ept for the outer parts of its non-slotted side edge por= tions'68 and 69, asin FIG. 17,,with the-'coveringlaycrs' 4 5 75 and 760m opposite faces of the core strip being of any desired thickness, andwith one .ot-said layers, namely} the one here numbered 75, having integrally .formed I therewiththe pair of opposed:clampingrribs or lips 77 and 78 for the retention of the strip structure inj use '50 thereof. ;Preferably,-.the core strip covering, including the clamping ribs or lips thereof, is provided byan. exf g trusion operation, and'as-t'he covering material passes through the core strip slots 67, the two layers 75 and76 lot the covering are firmly bonded together, as will be quite/evident from the broken out portion of-FIG. 17.

As heretofore mentioned, One particularly suitable core covering material is plasticized polyvinyl chloride, a materialwhich is easily extruded and which possesses many other desirable characteristics. V, V The covering material is extruded over the core strip in a heatedxcondition, and while such material is still warm,

I the outer surface of the covering layerfifi "is suitably ornamented, such as by an embossing operation, Aswill be evident tromiFIG. 18, the entire .outer surface 7910f 5.

' thecovering layer 76 is preferably'ernbossed, the emboss-fl ing patternbeing of any desired character,- and as the non ot considerableimportance in the ornamentation of the strip structure, as the appearance. of the strip structure would beappreciably lessened if the'emboSSingorother' ornamentation jot the outer surface of thecovering layer, .75!

76 which' is the outer. covering layer o'f'the strip strucf titre when it is bent into its channel shapete'rminated' short of the outer side edg'esiof saidcove'ri ng layer.

As shown in FIG; 17, they core covering raye snssna" '76 extend-outwardly beyond the longitudinal'we'a'kening' grooves 73 and/i4v of the core :striplbut not tothe outer.

edges of the non' slotted core's'trip sideedgeportions'68 and 6. Therefore, parts of said non-slotted side edge 7 portions 68 and 69 areexposed for suitable manipulation, such as; fiexure in opposite direction, to cause saidside edge portions 68 and 69 to be broken off of the core strip along the weakening grooves 73 and 74. Upon the removal of such broken" ofi side edge 'portions 63 and 69, there is left between the'two. covering layers. 75*and 76 a longitudinal series of transversely. disposed, closely spaced and wholly unconnected core elements-elements which are indicated by the reference numeral 80 in FIGS. 17,, 19 and 20' and which correspond, of course, to the core elements Set the strip structure of FlGS.-1 to 3.'

As shownin FIG. 19, the removal of the core strip, sid'e'edge portions 68 and69: results, of course, in the provision of gaps orlongitudinal openings 81 between the two core, covering layers 75 and 76 at the outer edges thereof. The next step inthe present method, therefore, is the closing of said gapsror openings 81, asfin FIG. 20,

bysuitablyfbonding together, such: as by a heatgsealing. operation, the outer side edgefportions' of thetwo-core coveringlayers. This completely encloses the individual core elements in their whollyv unconnected condition, as

will be evident from FIGJOI- j l The 'strip Of 'FIGJZO -lS then bent,-'by iany suitable' means, into channel shape in cross section, and if thestrip is tohave an auxiliary sealing or gap-closing section, it

1 can be secured to'thecorecoveringeither-before or" after. :the strip-is bent intoichannel'ishape, allas will be readily. understood. e

Asheretofore mentioned,v if, it is desired tohave a strip structure in which, the'unconnected core. elementsflare 1 substantially contiguous-irather ithanuin slightly spaced relation as in the stripistructure' of FIGS. -1 to 3} a-core 'stripi-isnsed which is, provided.'withtransverselslits, a

in the core strippf FIG. '14, ratherthan a corestrip with transverseslots, as inathe -,cbre.strip[o'f FIG. -15. As will be readily understood, the transversely slitted core stripis treated. or processed in the same manner/ as the a previouslydescribed transverselyslotted core andjas indi- 1 cated in FIGS. 16 r0 29. Inporder to bond Itogethenthe two core covering layers if a: transversely slitted core is usedith'e ,coreportions betweenthe slits, which will form, 'otcoursje, the core elements, maybe suitably apertured or the like for thepas'sagetherethrough of thecore covering material i p From the foregoing, it will beievidentthatfstrip'struc- 1 tures embodying (the: present' invention are characterized by their outstandingjfiexibility which results from the, use of transversely disposed.elements'which are whollyunconnected, of relativelynarrow form and longitudinallyarranged injeitherclosely s'pacedwor substantially sidej-by-, side relationship, and which ystrip' structures 7 preferably arelfurther-characterized by the attractive embossing with: which their entireouter surfaces are provided. I V 'To those skilledin the art to'which the present inventionrelates,.furtherteaturesand; advantages'thereof will be. evident I v What is claimed is:

' 1.1 A generally:channel-shapedstrip structurerfor embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor,.said stripstructure comprising a CcireLandj a covering therefor, "said Score. comprising-a series. 'ofindividual; entirely disconnected generally channelshaped elements ofyresilient sheet metal. and of'relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in; t closely spaced relation therealong, and opposed projed. tions carriedby said core coveringtor-clamping engage-- 'ment with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

2. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core being completely enclosed by said covering and comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, and opposed projections carried by said core covering for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

3. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, the outer surface of at least the major portion of said covering being embossed for appearance purposes, said core being completely enclosed by said covering and comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channelshaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, and opposed projections carried by said core covering for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

4. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, and two sets of opposed projections of flexible character carried by said core covering on the inner surfaces of the side walls of the strip structure and extending along the strip structure for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

5. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow striplike form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, and opposed projections of riblike form and of flexible character integral with and carried by said core covering on the inner surfaces of the side walls of the strip structure and extending convergently toward the crown portion of the strip structure for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

6. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, opposed projections carried by said core covering for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof, and a sealing member of generally tubular form carried by the core it covering externally thereof and extending therealong adja cent the crown portion of the strip structure.

-7. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, opposed projections carried by said core covering for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof, and a pair of sealing members carried by the core covering externally thereof and extending therealong, one of said sealing members being located adjacent the crown portion of the strip structure and the other being located adjacent the free end of one of the side walls thereof.

8. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement With and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, opposed projections carried by said core covering for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof, and a separate sealing member having an external sealing portion of generally tubular form adjacent the free end of one of the side walls of the strip structure and also having an anchoring portion extending along and interlocked with the inner surface of such side wall.

9. A generally channel-shaped strip structure for embracing engagement with and clamping retention on an edge flange or other support therefor, said strip structure comprising a core and a covering therefor, said core comprising a series of individual, entirely disconnected generally channel-shaped elements of resilient sheet metal and of relatively narrow strip-like form, said elements being disposed transversely of said strip structure in closely spaced relation therealong, a clamping projection of rib-like form and of flexible character carried by said core covering on the inner surface of one of the side walls of the strip structure, and a separate rubber sealing member having an external sealing portion adjacent the free end of the other side wall of the strip structure and also having an anchoring portion extending along the inner surface of such side wall, said anchoring portion having a clamping projection of rib-like form and of flexible character in opposed relation to said covering projection and cooperable therewith for clamping engagement with the edge flange or other support on which the strip structure is to be mounted in use thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A GENERALLY CHANNEL-SHAPED STRIP STRUCTURE FOR EMBRACING ENGAGEMENT WITH AND CLAMPING RETENTION ON AN EDGE FLANGE OR OTHER SUPPORT THEREFOR, SAID STRIP STRUCTURE COMPRISING A CORE AND A COVERING THEREFOR, SAID CORE COMPRISING A SERIES OF INDIVIDUAL, ENTIRELY DISCONNECTED GENERALLY CHANNEL-SHAPED ELEMENTS OF RESILIENT SHEET METAL AND OF RELATIVELY NARROW STRIP-LIKE FORM, SAID ELEMENTS BEING DISPOSED TRANSVERSELY OF SAID STRIP STRUCTURE IN CLOSELY SPACED RELATION THEREALONG, AND OPPOSED PROJECTIONS CARRIED BY SAID CORE COVERING FOR CLAMPING ENGAGMENT WITH THE EDGE FLANGE OR OTHER SUPPORT ON WHICH THE STRIP STRUCTURE IS TO BE MOUNTED IN USE THEREOF. 